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1939 Movies
Browse 869 titles in our 1939 Movies Database
- The Wizard of Oz
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- Stagecoach
- The Rules of the Game
- Ninotchka
- Wuthering Heights
- Only Angels Have Wings
- The Roaring Twenties
- The Women
- Gunga Din
- Destry Rides Again
- Dark Victory
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Son of Frankenstein
- The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Jamaica Inn
- Young Mr. Lincoln
- Le Jour Se Leve
- Another Thin Man
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- Drums Along the Mohawk
- The Little Princess
- The Four Feathers
- Beau Geste
- Love Affair
- At the Circus
- The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
- Dodge City
- The Flying Deuces
- Midnight
- Jesse James
- Gulliver's Travels
- Bachelor Mother
- The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum
- Made for Each Other
- The Old Maid
- The Cat and the Canary
- Each Dawn I Die
- Ugly Duckling
- Tarzan Finds a Son!
- In Name Only
- It's a Wonderful World
- Union Pacific
- Babes in Arms
- The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
- The Oklahoma Kid
- They Made Me a Criminal
- The Return of Doctor X
- Juarez
- U-Boat 29
- Five Came Back
- The Rains Came
- On Borrowed Time
- Tower of London
- Golden Boy
- Confessions of a Nazi Spy
- The Man They Could Not Hang
- Invisible Stripes
- The Man in the Iron Mask
- You Can't Cheat an Honest Man
- Charlie Chan at Treasure Island
- Charlie Chan in Honolulu
- Fifth Avenue Girl
- Allegheny Uprising
- Peace on Earth
- Idiot's Delight
- The Gorilla
- King of the Underworld
- Stanley and Livingstone
- The Hockey Champ
- Charlie Chan in Reno
- Topper Takes a Trip
- The Sidewalks of London
- Nancy Drew... Reporter
- Mr. Moto's Last Warning
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- City in Darkness
- Beach Picnic
- You Can't Get Away with Murder
- Raffles
- The Real Glory
- The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
- Society Dog Show
- The Phantom Creeps
- Clouds Over Europe
- The Saint Strikes Back
- Donald's Cousin Gus
- The Ice Follies of 1939
- Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur
- Frontier Marshal
- La fin du jour
- Ask a Policeman
- Buck Rogers
- The Mystery of Mr. Wong
- Susannah of the Mounties
- The Saint in London
- Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase
- Dust Be My Destiny
- Mr. Wong in Chinatown
- Goofy and Wilbur
- Sea Scouts
- Fast and Furious
- Donald's Lucky Day
- Blackmail
- Nancy Drew... Trouble Shooter
- Miracles for Sale
- The Mikado
- Blind Alley
- The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt
- Mr. Moto in Danger Island
- Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
- Let's Go with Pancho Villa
- Day-Time Wife
- Daughters Courageous
- First Love
- Fast and Loose
- The Face at the Window
- Honolulu
- The Lion Has Wings
- When Tomorrow Comes
- The Autograph Hound
- Old Glory
- Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
- Four Wives
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery
- Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
- New Frontier
- The Pointer
- Maisie
- The Three Musketeers
- Zenobia
- Let Us Live
- Devil's Island
- Donald's Penguin
- Officer Duck
- Rose of Washington Square
- Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
- Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police
- Lady of the Tropics
- Thugs with Dirty Mugs
- We Want Our Mummy
- The Great Man Votes
- Never Say Die
- Three Sappy People
- Lucky Night
- The Amazing Mr. Williams
- A Ducking They Did Go
- Remember?
- The Practical Pig
- Cesta do hlubin studákovy duse
- Good Girls Go to Paris
- Yes, We Have No Bonanza
- Calling Dr. Kildare
- Angels Wash Their Faces
- Calling All Curs
- Prest-O Change-O
- Fric-Frac
- A Day at the Zoo
- Second Fiddle
- Dancing Co-Ed
- Slightly Honorable
- Bulldog Drummond's Bride
- Hare-um Scare-um
- The Light That Failed
- Saved by the Belle
- Nick Carter, Master Detective
- These Glamour Girls
- Blackwell's Island
- The Film Fan
- The Secret of Dr. Kildare
- Judge Hardy and Son
- They Shall Have Music
- Torture Ship
- The Hardys Ride High
- Zorro's Fighting Legion
- Espionage Agent
- Christian
- Hollywood Cavalcade
- Torchy Blane in Chinatown
- Honeymoon in Bali
- The Housekeeper's Daughter
- Wyoming Outlaw
- The Night Riders
- Three Texas Steers
- U pokladny stál...
- Three Smart Girls Grow Up
- Torchy Runs for Mayor
- Blondie Takes a Vacation
- Torchy Blane.. Playing with Dynamite
- Where's That Fire?
- Tell No Tales
- Personal Column
- Nurse Edith Cavell
- Blondie Meets the Boss
- Blondie Brings Up Baby
- Beauty for the Asking
- Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence
- Tevya
- Hamateur Night
- Hell's Kitchen
- We Are Not Alone
- Customers Wanted
- Only One Night
- Robin Hood Makes Good
- Aldeia da Roupa Branca
- That's Right - You're Wrong
- Dick Tracy's G-Men
- Naughty But Nice
- Halálos tavasz
- Eva tropí hlouposti
- Wings of the Navy
- Balalaika
- On Dress Parade
- The Girl from Mexico
- Wise Quacks
- Land of Liberty
- Within the Law
- The Devil's Daughter
- Pacific Liner
- Code of the Secret Service
- Panama Lady
- Stand Up and Fight
- Captain Fury
- ...One Third of a Nation...
- Twelve Crowded Hours
- Some Like It Hot
- They All Come Out
- Bad Little Angel
- Stronger Than Desire
- The Will
- Bars and Stripes Forever
- Inspector Hornleigh
- Over the Moon
- Lenin in 1918
- East Side of Heaven
- The Last Turning
- Four Girls in White
- Private Detective
- Rough Riders' Round-up
- Days of Jesse James
- Prisioneros de la tierra
- Gjest Baardsen
- The Phantom Wagon
- Convict's Code
- Broadway Serenade
- The Lady and the Mob
- Gorky 2: My Apprenticeship
- Nine Bachelors
- Tractor Drivers
- Women in the Wind
- Society Lawyer
- Trouble Brewing
- King of Chinatown
- Yes, My Darling Daughter
- The Adventures of Jane Arden
- Smashing the Money Ring
- Secret Service of the Air
- The Bronze Buckaroo
- 6,000 Enemies
- In Old Caliente
- The Gracie Allen Murder Case
- Henry Goes Arizona
- Everything Happens at Night
- Daredevils of the Red Circle
- Way Down South
- Small Fry
- Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
- Indianapolis Speedway
- Bridal Suite
- The Fresh Vegetable Mystery
- The Golden Key
- Wife, Husband and Friend
- George Takes the Air
- It's the Natural Thing to Do
- Tosun Pasa
- Thunder Afloat
- Boy Slaves
- Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
- Kid Nightingale
- Gold Rush Daze
- The Arizona Kid
- Tail Spin
- Penny Paradise
- Pied Piper Porky
- Irish Luck
- The Kid from Kokomo
- Musical Mountaineers
- A Girl Must Live
- Let Freedom Ring
- Fresh Fish
- Full Confession
- Shors
- Sorority House
- Porky's Tire Trouble
- Buried Alive
- Kalle på Spången
- On Your Toes
- Service de Luxe
- Believe It or Else
- Zaza
- Moon Over Harlem
- Homicide Bureau
- Daughter of the Tong
- Circonstances atténuantes
- Off the Record
- Department Store
- Oshidori utagassen
- Mandrake, the Magician
- The Three Bears
- Hello How Am I
- Porky's Hotel
- The Body Vanished
- Bad Lands
- The 400 Million
- Silver on the Sage
- I Met a Murderer
- Midnight Shadow
- The Marshal of Mesa City
- Coral Reefs
- The Middleton Family at the New York World's Fair
- Scalp Trouble
- My Friend the Monkey
- Sergeant Madden
- Spare Time
- Rio
- Miracle on Main Street
- Law of the Pampas
- Conspiracy
- Sunset Trail
- Man of Conquest
- Man About Town
- Renegade Trail
- Back Door to Heaven
- Never Sock a Baby
- Invitation to Happiness
- Screwball Football
- Island of Lost Men
- Lying Lips
- The Cisco Kid and the Lady
- Sued for Libel
- Leave Well Enough Alone
- Range War
- Rhythm on the Reservation
- Everybody's Hobby
- Stars and Stripes
- Harlem Rides the Range
- Saga of Death Valley
- Porky's Movie Mystery
- New Horizons
- From the Ends of the Earth
- The Scared Crows
- Prophet Without Honor
- Burn 'Em Up O'Connor
- The Flying Irishman
- Southward Ho!
- Love on the Wing
- Snowman's Land
- The Whole Family Works
- Waterfront
- Hitler: Beast of Berlin
- Sweepstakes Winner
- Disputed Passage
- Streets of New York
- The Ware Case
- Arizona Legion
- Murder in the Night
- The Rookie Cop
- Reno
- South of the Border
- Lawless Valley
- Barricade
- My Son Is Guilty
- Sons of the Sea
- It Was a Gay Ballnight
- Trouble in Sundown
- The Invisible Killer
- Two Girls on the Street
- The Kid from Texas
- Kristopher Kolumbus Jr.
- Inquest
- Million Dollar Legs
- Derrière la façade
- The House of Fear
- The Sign of Death
- The Cowboy Quarterback
- Four Seasons of Children
- In Old Monterey
- Bel Ami
- The Lone Ranger Rides Again
- The Phantom Strikes
- Wall Street Cowboy
- The Blue Fox
- They Made Her a Spy
- Cheer Boys Cheer
- The Great Victor Herbert
- The Good Egg
- Death Rides the Range
- The Sun Never Sets
- Coast Guard
- Exile Express
- Timber Stampede
- No Place to Go
- Fixer Dugan
- Landstormens lilla Lotta
- Constable Studer
- $1000 a Touchdown
- Seven Brothers
- Spies of the Air
- Paradise in Harlem
- Sincerity
- Hotel for Women
- O Descobrimento do Brasil
- Paris Honeymoon
- I Stole a Million
- Rulers of the Sea
- Star Reporter
- Je t'attendrai
- Frontier Pony Express
- Man in a Shell
- The Return of the Cisco Kid
- Helmikuun manifesti
- Colorado Sunset
- Home on the Prairie
- Jeepers Creepers
- Racketeers of the Range
- The Day the Bookies Wept
- The Leghorn Hat
- Wasser für Canitoga
- Heritage of the Desert
- Minin i Pozharskiy
- Mexicali Rose
- Sioux Me
- The Star Maker
- Three Sons
- Danger Flight
- Cafe Society
- Navy Secrets
- Meet Dr. Christian
- Sky Patrol
- Rovin' Tumbleweeds
- The Five Cents of Lavarede
- The Frozen Limits
- Code of the Cactus
- Animali pazzi
- Fisherman's Wharf
- The Fighting Gringo
- Across the Plains
- Hobo Gadget Band
- Hello Janine!
- Blue Montana Skies
- Great Citizen
- What a Life
- Water Rustlers
- The Mayor's Dilemma
- Charlie McCarthy, Detective
- Vihtori ja Klaara
- Ancient Egypt
- Earth
- The Under-Pup
- The Witness Vanishes
- Panama Patrol
- 20, 000 Men a Year
- Dad for a Day
- Ernest the Rebel
- S.O.S. Tidal Wave
- The Spellbinder
- Boefje
- Alfalfa's Aunt
- Robert Koch: The Battle Against Death
- Mystery Plane
- The World Will Shake
- Boys' Reformatory
- An Adventure of Salvator Rosa
- The Fighting Renegade
- Pack Up Your Troubles
- Heroes in Blue
- Devushka s kharakterom
- The Mysterious Mr. Davis
- While New York Sleeps
- Dangerous Masquerade
- The Light Ahead
- Escape to Paradise
- Long Shot
- Straight Shooter
- Winter Carnival
- Pride of the Blue Grass
- Opernball
- De spooktrein
- Hotel Imperial
- Fighting Mad
- Cousin Wilbur
- Let's Be Famous
- Mountain Rhythm
- Captain Spanky's Show Boat
- Undercover Agent
- Sudden Money
- The Man Who Dared
- Reform School
- Crashing Thru
- Fridericus
- The Girl from Rio
- Wlóczegi
- Mystery of the White Room
- Every Madman to His Specialty
- Taming of the West
- Ani to sono imôto
- A Haunting We Will Go
- Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President
- The Five-Forty
- Rikas tyttö
- Midnattssolens son
- St. Louis Blues
- She Married a Cop
- The Mystic Circle Murder
- The Family Next Door
- Prison Without Bars
- Beware Spooks!
- Six-Gun Rhythm
- Louise
- Frun tillhanda
- On Trial
- Almost a Gentleman
- Oklahoma Frontier
- Kitty and the World Conference
- Pukar
- Sabotage
- Double Deal
- Raphaël le tatoué
- Anthony the Last
- The Oregon Trail
- Desperate Trails
- Das Ekel
- Boy Trouble
- Everything's on Ice
- Bad Boy
- The Immortal Heart
- Oklahoma Terror
- Mutiny on the Blackhawk
- Vihreä kulta
- The Kansas Terrors
- Skanör-Falsterbo
- Cowboys from Texas
- Flying Fifty-Five
- Nightclub Hostess
- Texas Wildcats
- Unmarried
- Istrebiteli
- Two Thoroughbreds
- Girls in Distress
- Entente cordiale
- Her Little Majesty
- Hotel Sacher
- Lend Me Three Pounds
- Imputato, alzatevi!
- Ambush
- Hätävara
- Missing Evidence
- Feud of the Range
- Our Leading Citizen
- Scouts to the Rescue
- Riders of the Sage
- The First Days
- Television Spy
- Lapatossu ja Vinski olympia-kuumeessa
- The Return of the Frog
- Here I Am a Stranger
- Trigger Pals
- The Mysterious Miss X
- The New Teacher
- Flaming Lead
- Melodin från Gamla Stan
- Design for Murder
- Gas Light
- There Ain't No Justice
- Ja tu rzadze
- Shipyard Sally
- Manoos
- Bachelor's Paradise
- Wolf Call
- Dora Nelson
- Down the Wyoming Trail
- Persons in Hiding
- Dedeckem proti své vuli
- Muzhestvo
- Takki ja liivit pois!
- Fangs of the Wild
- Eteenpäin - elämään
- Moydodyr - Wash 'til Holes
- The Magnificent Fraud
- Outlaws' Paradise
- The Stranger from Texas
- Avoveteen
- Pasha's Wives
- Oshibka inzhenera Kochina
- It Could Happen to You
- Mother Goose in Swingtime
- Love Cavalcade
- Code of the Fearless
- Aktivistit
- In Old Montana
- Disbarred
- Footsteps in the Sand
- Crisis
- Legion of Lost Flyers
- Code of the Streets
- Príklady táhnou
- The Lady's from Kentucky
- Carmen fra i rossi
- The False Step
- The Zero Hour
- Riders of the Frontier
- D III 88
- Vi två
- Law of the Wolf
- News Is Made at Night
- Accord final
- Such Is Life
- Ride 'em, Cowgirl
- Bewitching Kisses
- Society Smugglers
- Westbound Stage
- Stunt Pilot
- The Last Warning
- Serenaadi sotatorvella
- Cocoanut
- Call a Messenger
- The Orphan Duck
- Honeysuckle
- Closed Door
- Flight at Midnight
- Laugh It Off
- María de la O
- The Mad Empress
- The Armchair
- Cardinal Messias
- Punahousut
- Komtessen paa Steenholt
- Oss baroner emellan
- De vergeløse
- Tomorrow It Will Be Better
- Adolf i eld och lågor
- Old Mother Riley Joins Up
- Jumalan tuomio
- Me and My Girl
- La vida es un tango
- The Pal from Texas
- Wedding in Toprin
- El Diablo Rides
- De tre måske fire
- Port of Hate
- Sjöcharmörer
- Spain
- Åh, en så'n grabb
- Keep Punching
- Gone to the Dogs
- Los hijos de la noche
- Cantinflas jengibre contra dinamita
- Benkei tai Ushiwaka
- Isoviha
- Trois de St Cyr
- Robert and Bertram
- Overland Mail
- Affluent People
- Tsuchi to heitai
- Rattling Romeo
- The House of the Ogre
- The Movies March On
- Ohnivé léto
- The House That Jack Built
- La famille Duraton
- Nell's Yells
- Stepan Razin
- Man from Texas
- Mot nya tider
- En lille tilfældighed
- Prinzessin Sissy
- Inside Information
- Métropolitain
- Kongo-Express
- I dag börjar livet
- Tumult in Damascus
- Gubben kommer
- Kennedy the Great
- Halveksittu
- Familie Schimek
- Romance of the Redwoods
- Divorce in Montevideo
- Remember When
- I dag begynder livet
- Cándida
- Lo vedi come sei... Lo vedi come sei?
- Woman at the Wheel
- Second Childhood
- Friends
- La piste du sud
- Menschen vom Varieté
- Mordsache Holm
- Kadettkamrater
- Nordhavets mænd
- La canción de Aixa
- Ein hoffnungsloser Fall
- If War Should Come
- A Day at Denham
- Nothing But the Truth
- Sighs of Spain
- Come Up Smiling
- Me and My Pal
- Two Gun Troubador
- Kaksi Vihtoria
- Due milioni per un sorriso
- I Am Sebastian Ott
- Chetvyortyy periskop
- Genboerne
- The Black Beast
- Peasants
- Night of the Mayas
- A Midsummer Day's Work
- The Nutty Network
- Mother Love
- Night Alone
- Spöke till salu
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- Dreams on Ice
- So This Is London
- Men Are That Way
- Amangeldy
- The First Robin
- Emelie Högqvist
- Mountain Ears
- Die Geliebte
- United But Not Mixed
- Freed Hands
- The Dream of Butterfly
- Terra di fuoco
- Elverhøj
- Jitterbug Knights
- The Streets of New York
- The Governor
- College Girls
- The Gorilla Hunt
- The Islanders
- Juan sin miedo
- Ambición
- Raitu Bidda
- Vande Mataram
- Sevani dzknorsnere
- Mr. Lahtinen Takes French Leave
- Smiling Along
- Alarm auf Station III
- Der Vorhang fällt
- Valfångare
- Rejoice While You're Young, Fellow Cadets
- The Royal Visit
- Discoveries
- Eddie Carroll and His Orchestra
- Finale
- Den gamle præst
- Ihr erstes Erlebnis
- Renate im Quartett
- Fighting Thoroughbreds
- Who Is Guilty?
- Io, suo padre
- Der Fall Deruga
- Maria Ilona
- Ich verweigere die Aussage
- Children of Divorce
- Pikku pelimanni
- Panik
- The Model and the Star
- Forest Fever
- Parkstrasse 13
- Zwischen Strom und Steppe
- Margarita, Armando y su padre
- King of the Edelweiss
- Feux de joie
- Ombyte förnöjer
- Clock Wise
- Une java
- Alma norteña
- Zwölf Minuten nach zwölf
- Muz z neznáma
- The Case of Charlie Gordon
- Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge
- Zborov
- L'étrange nuit de Noël
- Veselá bída
- Rajat Jayanti
- Musik für dich
- Immortal Waltz
- Deuxième bureau contre kommandantur
- Umlcené rty
- Three on a Honeymoon
- Una luz en mi camino
- Homes for Workers
- We at Solglantan
- The Brown Bomber
- Vykrik do sibirské noci
- Indian Durbar
- Casa lontana
- Rakuuna Kalle Kollola
- Charlie Cuckoo
- Die barmherzige Lüge
- Scheidungsreise
- Zentrale Rio
- In geheimer Mission
- Act Your Age
- Krazy's Bear Tale
- Ich bin gleich wieder da
- Fräulein
- Drei Väter um Anna
- Roman eines Arztes
- A Gentleman's Gentleman
- Seven Little Australians
- Sacred Woods
- Annie Laurie
- Il fornaretto di Venezia
- Festival de la comedia
- El hotel de los chiflados
- Shunjû ittôryû
- Old Iron
- Play in the Summer Breezes
- Maxim's Porter
- Drunter und drüber
- Hu Dagmar
- The Honeymoon's Over
- Su adorable majadero
- Il segreto inviolabile
- Дядя Степа
- Love on the Range
- Der letzte Appell
- Fire in the Straw
- La vie est magnifique
- Place de la Concorde
- Savage Brigade
- Gunshot
- Serge Panine
- Monsieur Brotonneau
- Immediate Call
- Efterlyst
- Maid to Order
- Out of the Drum
- Cirkus
- The People of the Hogbo Farm
- Rosor varje kväll
- Song to the Wind
- Herrat ovat herkkäuskoisia
- Gals and Gallons
- Devata
- The Anatomist
- Ring Madness
- A Night in a Music Hall
- Netaji Palkar
- Feathered Pests
- Desire for Africa
- Die drei Smaragde
- Mann im Schrank
- Vänrikki Stoolin tarinat
- Candida
- Cargo for Ardrossan
- Stage Door
- Waste Not, Want Not
- A Bucket Full of Cartoons
- Malay States
- New start in life
- South Africa - The Land of Smiles and Sunshine
- En Djurgårdspromenad
- There's Reason in Rhumba
- And Now They Rest
The Best Movies in 1939
Gone with the Wind
Released in 1939, "Gone with the Wind" remains a cornerstone in the domain of cinematic epics. This movie, set during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, presents an in-depth portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara. Scarlett's character, known for her manipulative tendencies, takes viewers on a journey through her complicated relationship with Rhett Butler. Beyond its romantic storyline, the film gets into themes of love, war, and the human instinct for survival. Its historical context provides a canvas for the exploration of these themes, making it a powerful piece of cinematic history.
The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz" stands out as a musical adventure cherished by audiences of all ages. The film follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, whose house is picked up by a tornado and deposited in the magical Land of Oz. Dorothy's quest to return home involves securing the help of the Wizard, which leads her to meet three unique friends along the way. The story is more than an adventure; it's a narrative on bravery, friendship, and the concept of home. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its inventive use of music, color, and special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time of release.
The Rules of the Game
Jean Renoir's "The Rules of the Game" is a film that adeptly navigates the intricacies of French bourgeois society on the brink of World War II. The movie is set in a country estate and uses a hunting party as the backdrop to unravel the complex web of relationships among its wealthy guests and their servants. It's a comedy-drama that scrutinizes the social norms and behaviors of its characters, making a poignant statement on the societal structure of the time. The film's critical view of societal norms, combined with its expertly crafted narrative structure, secures its place as a seminal work in film history.
The Roaring Twenties
Exploring the post-World War I era and the Prohibition period in the United States, "The Roaring Twenties" is a crime drama that provides an insightful look into the lives and moral dilemmas of three men trying to navigate the changing times. The film addresses the implications of the war and Prohibition on American society, highlighting the challenges people faced during the era. Its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American dream offers a poignant snapshot of a defining period in American history. "The Roaring Twenties" successfully combines historical context with personal narratives, making it a captivating watch.
Stagecoach
Directed by John Ford, "Stagecoach" is a film that transformed the Western genre. The plot centers around a group of passengers traveling through Apache territory, which serves as a foundation for examining themes of social prejudice, redemption, and survival. The movie is renowned for its character development and tension among the group, offering a deeper look into the human condition. Its innovative narrative and technical achievements enhanced the storytelling of Western films, influencing countless directors and the genre itself. "Stagecoach" is a landmark film that showcases the potential of the Western as a serious and compelling genre.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1939
The Context of 1939 in the Film Industry
The film industry in 1939 was characterized by an unprecedented output of films that have stood the test of time. This year, Hollywood released 365 films, a considerable number reflecting the industry's productivity at the time. This era, often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood, showcased the film studios' ability to produce films that captured audiences' imaginations.
Notable Films and Their Impact
Among the numerous releases, certain films stood out for their storytelling, visual effects, and cultural impact. "Gone with the Wind" not only won Best Picture at the 12th Academy Awards but also marked an influential moment in history with Hattie McDaniel's win for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first African-American to win an Academy Award. "The Wizard of Oz" is another cornerstone of 1939, enchanting audiences with its innovative use of Technicolor. "Stagecoach" revitalized the Western genre and catapulted John Wayne to stardom. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" showcased the talents of James Stewart in a politically charged drama that remains relevant. "Wuthering Heights" brought Emily Brontë's classic novel to life, captivating audiences with its tragic romance.
Audience Engagement and Box Office Success
With 80 million cinema tickets sold in the US alone, 1939 films saw phenomenal box office success. The appeal of these films can be attributed to a combination of compelling storytelling, technological advancements in filmmaking, and the magnetic allure of the leading actors of the time, many of whom were introduced to audiences by the studios themselves. "Gone with the Wind" led the box office in North America, followed by "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Jesse James", showcasing a wide range of genres that appealed to a broad audience.
Technological Innovations and Advances
1939 was not just about compelling stories; it was also a year of important technological advancements in filmmaking. The use of Technicolor in "The Wizard of Oz" presented audiences with a resonant world that was previously unimaginable on the silver screen. Such innovations not only enhanced the visual appeal of films but also broadened the scope of storytelling in cinema.
Contributions to the Film Industry Beyond Hollywood
The establishment of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in 1939 marked a notable development in the film industry in North America. Originally created as an advisory board, the NFB shifted towards active production to meet the demands of the Second World War. This move underscores the global impact of films and the role they play in shaping cultural and societal narratives beyond entertainment.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The films of 1939 have left an enduring legacy, continuing to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences decades later. Their success and the innovations of the time played a vital role in shaping the future direction of the film industry. Film historians routinely cite 1939 as a pivotal year, not just for its high-quality output but also for how it encapsulated the potential of cinema as a form of art and communication.
Recognition and Awards
The 11th and 12th Academy Awards, recognizing films from 1938 and 1939, highlighted the achievements of this golden year. Spencer Tracy's Best Actor win for "Boys Town," and Walter Brennan's Best Supporting Actor award for "Kentucky" at the 11th Academy Awards were precursors to the recognition the films of 1939 would receive. The 12th Academy Awards further cemented the year's significance, with "Gone with the Wind" taking home the Best Picture award, among others.